Welcome to this special edition video, which tracks the progress of my son's 18th birthday treat of driving a Class 37 Diesel Locomotive on the Wensleydale Railway, 6th April 2023.
The route starts at Leeming Bar, onto Bedale then to Leyburn and return. Due to safety considerations the driving experience commences beyond the level crossing at Bedale. This is because of the main roads at Bedale station and the non gated Aiskew Level Crossing.
The weather turned out to be great however the day got off to a nervous start, because on our arrival at Leeming Bar, we were informed that 37 250 had failed just short of Leyburn. Class 33 035 had been sent to rescue it and drag back to Leeming Bar, in the hope that it could be fixed. An anxious wait followed, but thankfully the engineers managed to repair the loco, so the driving experience was on!
Many thanks to all the the staff and volunteers at the Wensleydale Railway, who looked after us and made the day so enjoyable.
Hope you enjoy the video!
0:00 Intro
0:10 Leeming Bar (Failed Class 37 250)
2:00 Repaired Class 37 250
2:39 In cab view
3:01 Aiskew Level Crossing
3:15 A684
4:01 Crakehall Level Crossing
7:45 A684
8:07 Tennants - Leyburn
9:11 Leyburn
10:45 Change cab's for return journey
11:55 Horn test!
12:28 Depart Leyburn
13:35 Tennants - Leyburn
14:52 A684
15:23 Bedale
17:30 In cab view
18:23 Arrival at Leeming Bar